Taiwan announces visa-free entry for St Lucians, Caribbean allies

The Republic of China (Taiwan) today announced visa-free entry for St Lucians travelling to the Asian nation effective immediately.

The announcement was made by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

In a statement posted on its website, MOFA said the new policy demonstrates the closeness between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its diplomatic allies and is based on the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity.

Previously St Lucians wishing to travel to Taiwan would be required to obtain a visa from the Taiwanese Embassy in Rodney Bay.

The visa-free access applies to St Lucians visiting Taiwan for up to 30 days.

Taiwan also announced 30 day visa-free travel to its other allies in the Caribbean and Latin America including, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guatemala.

Nationals from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua can now visit Taiwan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.

“Given the importance of its enduring friendships with these diplomatic partners, and acting upon the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity, and a further desire to strengthen the development of bilateral relations, the ROC decided to grant visa-free privileges to these 10 diplomatic allies from July 12, 2017 in the hope that such benefits will lead to an increase in tourism, business, trade and cultural exchanges at multiple levels,” the statement said.